What Is AVIF? The Next-Gen Image Format Explained

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is one of the newest image formats on the web. It is derived from the AV1 video codec and is designed to deliver excellent quality at very small file sizes. If you've heard AVIF described as "the smallest files you can get," this article explains what that means in practice.

Where AVIF comes from

AVIF packages a still image using the compression technology of AV1, a royalty-free video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media. Reusing advanced video compression for still images is exactly why AVIF can be so efficient.

The advantages

• Smallest files: often 20–50% smaller than WebP at similar quality
• Supports transparency (alpha channel)
• Supports both lossy and lossless modes
• Handles high dynamic range and wide color
• Royalty-free and open

The trade-offs

Slower encoding

AVIF is noticeably slower to encode than WebP or JPEG. For a single image this is fine, but when converting hundreds of files at once you'll feel the difference. This is why many workflows use WebP for speed and reserve AVIF for cases where the absolute smallest size matters.

Support is broad but not universal

All major modern browsers support AVIF today, but a small number of older clients don't. For most public websites this is no longer a blocker, though a fallback can still be worth it if you must support legacy devices.

When to use AVIF

Choose AVIF when file size is your top priority and your audience is on modern browsers — for example large hero images, photo galleries, or bandwidth-sensitive mobile experiences. If you need the fastest conversion or the widest possible support, WebP is often the more practical default.

Need to convert AVIF to JPG or PNG?

Because many sites now serve images as AVIF, you'll increasingly save files that older apps or upload forms refuse. The fix is the same as with WebP: drop the .avif files into Scrunch, choose JPEG for photos (or PNG if you need transparency), and convert — dozens at once if needed, right in your browser.

Try it yourself

The best way to understand AVIF is to see it on your own images. In Scrunch you can convert the same photo to AVIF and WebP, then compare the file sizes and quality side by side — all in your browser, with nothing uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

AVIF or WebP — which is better?

For file size, AVIF usually wins; for speed and compatibility, WebP has the edge. Choose AVIF when the smallest size matters and your audience is on modern browsers, and WebP when fast conversion and the widest support are more important.

Does AVIF support transparency?

Yes. AVIF supports an alpha channel for transparent backgrounds and offers both lossy and lossless modes, so it can also serve as a replacement for PNG.

Why is AVIF encoding slow?

AVIF is based on AV1 video compression and does more computation to reach its small sizes, which takes longer. One image is fine, but converting hundreds can be noticeably slower than WebP.

Is it safe to use AVIF today?

Most modern browsers support it, so it's safe for typical websites. If you must also support very old devices or certain apps, provide a WebP or JPEG fallback with the picture element to be safe.